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Elections

The right to vote and the right to stand for election are two fundamental elements of democracy. Notably, many countries did not afford women the right to vote until the 20th Century. Even today, universal suffrage is not a given right in all countries, and women often face obstacles that undermine their participation in political and electoral processes. There are various ways to support women in overcoming these obstacles. Such methods include revising the electoral system used, applying affirmative action mechanisms such as quotas, improving voter education for women and training political candidates. These are a few of the modes available to strengthen women’s political participation .Photo©Jens Franssen

June 3, 2022
Liberia: Weah’s CDC adopts 40% women quota

The Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) of President George Weah has adopted a resolution that would force the party to have more women in leadership positions.

Australia: Our new parliament will have record numbers of women – will this finally make it a safe place to work?

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June 3, 2022

Australia: Our new parliament will have record numbers of women – will this finally make it a safe place to work?

The 2022 federal election was a win for women candidates, and a historic moment in Australia’s journey towards a parliament that truly endorses and promotes gender equali

The 2022 federal election was a win for women candidates, and a historic moment in Australia’s journey towards a parliament that truly endorses and promotes gender equali

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is seen here last week, speaking alongside (from left) Finance Minister Penny Wong, Deputy Prime Minster Richard Marles and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher. (David Gray/Getty Images)
June 2, 2022
Australia's new prime minister appoints a record 10 women to his Cabinet

Australia's new government will look more like its country, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has named a record 10 women to his incoming Cabinet.

Kenya Elections: Ann Nderitu on good governance and regulating the country's political parties

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June 1, 2022

Kenya Elections: Ann Nderitu on good governance and regulating the country's political parties

Kenya’s party primaries recently closed - a process for political parties to select candidates for the various elective seats in August’s General Election.

Kenya’s party primaries recently closed - a process for political parties to select candidates for the various elective seats in August’s General Election.

Australia: Liberals forget that women vote and have paid the price

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June 1, 2022

Australia: Liberals forget that women vote and have paid the price

Professional women make up the largest voter cohort in Australia and their role was vital in giving Scott Morrison the boot.

It appears the Coalition misjudged just how many women there are in Australia.

Professional women make up the largest voter cohort in Australia and their role was vital in giving Scott Morrison the boot.

It appears the Coalition misjudged just how many women there are in Australia.

May 31, 2022
Australia: Record number of women in the 47th parliament, as female voters shun Liberals

A record number of women will take their seats in the House of Representatives when the 47th parliament sits for the first time in July, but representation in the Liberal Party has gone backwards as it grapples with how to regain the faith of female voters.

Her rights at work: How will women be treated in the new Australian parliament?

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May 30, 2022

Her rights at work: How will women be treated in the new Australian parliament?

A record number of women have been elected to the Australian Parliament. Anger about the Coalition Government's lack of action on gender equality has been one of the issues propelling the teal independents into parliament. 

A record number of women have been elected to the Australian Parliament. Anger about the Coalition Government's lack of action on gender equality has been one of the issues propelling the teal independents into parliament. 

May 30, 2022
"A proud moment for us," says Dalit body after Midha’s election; she represents the Labour Party

'A proud moment for us,' says Dalit body after Midha's election; she represents the Labour Party.

Where are the women? The challenge facing the next PNG parliament

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May 25, 2022

Where are the women? The challenge facing the next PNG parliament

A country ranking among the world’s lowest for political participation by women has enormous social bias to overcome.

A country ranking among the world’s lowest for political participation by women has enormous social bias to overcome.